Joseph Kosinski, best known for director Tron: Legacy, is expected to take charge of the sequel, which will reportedly be set in a world of drone technology and fifth generation fighters and will explore the end of an era of dogfighting, a key feature of the original film.

Top Gun was released in 1986 and starred Cruise, Val Kilmer and Kelly McGillis and told the story of a group of students at the United States Navy's elite fighter weapons school, who compete to be best in the class.